What’s on a Tour?

Durham Castle is a working and living heritage site, as well as home to University College, and as such, access for visitors to this rich historical site is through guided tours. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through the Gatehouse and into the heart of the historic building. Here, you will experience history and tales from the last 1000 years. 

Find out more:

• Gatehouse and Courtyard
• Norman Chapel 
• Tunstall Chapel and Tunstall Gallery 
• Black Stairs
• Great Hall

Gatehouse and Courtyard

Enter through our 12th century Gatehouse. In the Courtyard, you will see the how the Castle was designed to look impressive, although it is smaller than it looks, as there are cliffs on two sides.

Norman Chapel

Built in the 1080s, our Normal Chapel is one of the oldest standing buildings in Durham City. Of great significance are the beautiful and intriguing carvings on top of the columns, which include a snake, a hunting scene and even a mermaid, thought to be the earliest example in England!

Tunstall Chapel and Tunstall Gallery

The Chapel and Gallery were built in the 1540s. The stunning chapel features rare 16th-century misericords that feature detailed carvings of fables and legendary creatures. The Tunstall Gallery was built to entertain and promenade, and within the Gallery you will see the once-hidden Norman Arch, one of the finest examples of Norman archways in the country.  

Black Stairs

Built in the 1660s, the stairs are 17m (57ft) high. Originally, it was designed to appear to be floating, however, its weight soon meant that supports were needed, and subsequently the steps are still a little uneven today. 

Great Hall

The Great Hall was built in the 13th century for the visit of Edward I and was one of largest Great Halls in the country. It has undergone many changes throughout the centuries, and today it is 13m high and 30m long, creating a comfortable dining hall for the students who live here.